A13 078 .pdf

Service Bulletin
May 18, 2016

13-078
51869-02162 Version 7

Warranty Extension: MIL Comes On with DTCs P0301 thru P0304
Supersedes 13-078, dated September 12, 2015, to revise the information highlighted in yellow.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year
2008–12

Model
Accord

Trim
All V6 A/T

VIN Range
Check the iN VIN Status for Eligibility.

REVISON SUMMARY
•

Under REPAIR PROCEDURE B – PISTON CLEANING AND RING REPLACEMENT, Replace Parts as Needed
for Repair Procedure B, changed bolt count for the 12 x 163 Washer bolt (P/N 90005-PAA-A01) under Cyl 1-4 from
8 to 16. Also changed the bolt count for Connecting Rod Bolt from 8 to 6.

CORRECTIVE ACTION
2008–11 Models: Complete the diagnosis procedure and if necessary, update the PCM software and replace
the affected spark plugs. If the vehicle returns after the updated PCM software and spark plug replacement
have been installed, clean pistons and replaced the pistons rings along with the spark plugs (Procedure B).
NOTE: Make sure the software update has been completed, spark plugs replaced (Procedure A), and the
vehicle returned to the customer before making any additional repairs. Failure to do so will result in claim
review by your DPSM and possible debit.
2012 Models: Complete the diagnosis procedure and if necessary, clean the pistons and replace the pistons
rings along with the spark plugs (Procedure B).
BACKGROUND
American Honda is announcing a powertrain warranty extension as a result of a settlement of a class action captioned,
Soto et al.v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. 3:12-cv-1377-SI (N.D. Cal.).
The piston rings on certain cylinders may rotate and align which can lead to spark plug fouling. This can set DTCs
P0301 No. 1 cylinder misfire detected, P0302 No. 2 cylinder misfire detected, P0303 No. 3 cylinder misfire detected,
P0304 No. 4 cylinder misfire detected, and cause the MIL to come on.
American Honda is extending the powertrain warranty to cover repairs related to engine misfire (that triggers DTCs
P0301 through P0304) to 8 years with unlimited mileage from the original date of purchase and has settled a class
action based on this remedial measure.
This warranty extension does not apply to any vehicle that has ever been declared a total loss or sold for salvage by a
financial institution or insurer, or has a branded or similar title under any state’s law.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
Owners of affected vehicles were sent a class action settlement notice regarding this warranty extension starting in
October 2013.
Before doing work on a vehicle, verify its eligibility by doing an iN VIN status inquiry.
Refer customers seeking information about settlement benefits to www.enginemisfiresettlement.com, or instruct them to
call 888-888-3082.

CUSTOMER INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment,
and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not
assume this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact
an authorized Honda automobile dealer.
© 2016 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

Page 1 of 25

DIAGNOSIS
1. Connect the HDS and check for the following DTCs: P0301 No. 1 Cylinder Misfire Detected,
P0302 No. 2 Cylinder Misfire Detected, P0303 No. 3 Cylinder Misfire Detected, P0304 No. 4 Cylinder Misfire
Detected.
Are any of these DTCs stored?
YES – Go to step 2.
NO – Stop. This bulletin does not apply. Continue with normal troubleshooting.
2. Remove and check the spark plug(s) on the affected cylinders (example: if P0301 is stored, check the spark plug on
cylinder No. 1).
Are the spark plug(s) fouled?
YES – Go to step 3.
NO – Stop. This bulletin does not apply. Continue with normal troubleshooting.

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3. Check the PCM software version P/N located above the PGM FI Data List. All 2012 vehicles are up to date, go
directly to step 4.

Year/Model

Program ID (or later)

Program P/N (or later)

2008–09 Accord (KA-ULEV)

70A630

37805-R70-A63

2008–09 Accord (KL-SULEV-PZEV)

71L630

37805-R71-L63

2010 Accord (KA-ULEV)

70A750

37805-R70-A75

2011 Accord 2-Door (KA-ULEV)

70A830

37805-R70-A83

2011 Accord 4-Door (KA-ULEV)

84A530

37805-R84-A53

2012 Accord (ALL)

Software Updated from Factory

Is the PCM Program ID and/or Program P/N the same or newer than what is listed above?
NO – The PCM software needs to be updated. Go to REPAIR PROCEDURE A.
YES – The correct software is installed. The piston rings on select cylinders need to be replaced. Go to step 4.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The PCM software must first be updated with the correct version, replace spark plugs
and the vehicle returned to the customer. Piston cleaning and piston ring replacement, as described below,
should only be done after the customer has returned with a second failure or if the vehicle’s software is the
correct version. Failure to follow this process correctly may result in a full debit of the warranty claim to
your dealer.
4. Note which DTCs are stored in the vehicle.
Does the vehicle have DTC P0304 stored? (Any combination of DTCs P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304 may also
be stored.)
YES – Go to REPAIR PROCEDURE B for the cylinders listed, Cylinders 1–4: Clean the pistons, replace the
piston rings, and replace the spark plugs.
NO – Go to REPAIR PROCEDURE B for the cylinders listed below:
• Cylinder 1–3: Clean the pistons and replace the pistons rings.
• Cylinder 1–4: Replace the spark plugs.

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WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
2008–11 Models: Confirm PCM software is or has been updated with the correct version, spark plugs 1–4 have
been replaced and the vehicle returned to the customer (Procedure A). Piston cleaning and piston ring
replacement should only be done after the customer has returned with a second failure or if the vehicle’s software is
the correct version (Procedure B). Failure to follow this process correctly may result in a full debit of the
warranty claim to your dealer.
2012 Models: Are equipped with updated software from factory, no software updated is needed. Piston cleaning
and piston ring replacement along with spark plugs 1–4 should performed (Procedure B).
FLAT RATE NOTE: The procedure in this bulletin is different than the service manual. This procedure does not
require the complete removal of the power steering pump, catalytic converter(s), engine and transmission, or the
crankshaft. As a result, the operation number is unique and the FRT is reduced (Procedure B).
2008–10 Accord
OP#

1171G9

1171G9

1171H0

Description

Flat Rate Time

Template ID

Failed Part Number

2008–10 Accord (KA): Procedure A
Update the PCM and replace spark plugs
1–4 (includes diagnosis).

0.5 hr

13-078A

13011–R70–A02

2008–10 Accord (KL): Procedure A
Update the PCM and replace spark plugs
1–4 (includes diagnosis).

0.5 hr

13-078B

13011–R70–A02

2008–10 Accord: Procedure B
Replace piston rings 1–3 and replace spark plugs
1–4 (includes diagnosis).

6.2 hrs

13011–R70–A02

0.8 hrs

13011–R70–A02

1171H0B 2008–10 Accord:
Add if replacing piston rings on cylinder 4.
2011–12 Accord
OP#

1171G9

1171H0

Description

Flat Rate Time

Template ID

Failed Part Number

2011 Accord: Procedure A
Update the PCM and replace spark
plugs 1–4 (includes diagnosis).

0.5 hr

13-078C

13011–5G0–A01

2011–12 Accord: Procedure B
Replace piston rings 1–3 and replace spark plugs 1–4
(includes diagnosis).

6.2 hrs

13011–5G0–A01

0.8 hrs

13011–5G0–A01

1171H0B 2011–12 Accord:
Add if replacing piston rings on cylinder 4.
Defect Code:
5V500
Symptom Code: JB600
Skill Level:

Repair Technician

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PARTS INFORMATION
NOTE: Do the DIAGNOSIS first to determine which cylinders you will need to repair.
REPAIR PROCEDURE A – SOFTWARE UDPATE AND CYLINDERS 1–4 SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT
Required Parts
Part Name
Spark Plugs (KA)
Spark Plugs (KL)

Part Number

Quantity

12290-R70-A01
12290-R71-L01

4
4

REPAIR PROCEDURE B – PISTON CLEANING AND RING REPLACEMENT
Required Parts
Part Name
Cyl. Gasket (Fr)
Cyl. Gasket (Rr)
Drain Washer 14 mm
EGR Pipe Gasket A
EGR Pipe Gasket B
Ex. Chamber Gasket
Ex. Pipe Gasket
Head Gasket Fr (Valve Cover)
Head Gasket Rr. (Valve Cover)
In. Manifold Gasket Top
In. Manifold Gasket Base
Oil Filter
O-ring (7.47 mm x 3.6 mm)
O-ring (31.2 mm x 4.1 mm)
Piston Ring Set
Pre-chamber Gasket
Self-locking Nut (8 mm)
Self-locking Nut (10 mm)
Spark Plugs (KA)
Spark Plugs (KL)
Strainer O-ring
Timing Belt Bolt
Water Gasket Fr.
Water Gasket Rr.

Part Number
12251-R70-A01
12261-R70-A01
94109-14000
18716-R70-A01
18719-R70-A01
18115-R70-A01
18212-SA7-003
12030-R70-A00
12050-R70-A00
17146-R70-A01
17105-RCJ-A01
15400-PLM-A02
91301-PLC-000
91314-PH7-003
13011-5G0-A02
18393-SDB-A00
90212-RCA-A01
90212–SA5-003
12290-R70-A01
12290-R71-L01
15221-RYE-A01
14551-RCA-A01
19411-P8A-A03
19412–P8A-A02

Cyl 1-3
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
2
2
3
1
4
9
4
4
1
1
1
1

Cyl 1-4
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
4
1
8
9
4
4
1
1
1
1

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Replace Parts as Needed for Repair Procedure B
Part Name

Part Number

Connecting Rod Bolt (may require up to 6 bolts per
cylinder head)
Washer-Bolt (12 x 163) (may require up to 8 bolts per
cylinder head)

Cyl 1-3

Cyl 1-4

13204–P8A–A01

6

8

90005–PAA–A01

8

16

REQUIRED MATERIALS – REPAIR PROCEDURES B
Material Description

Part Number

Quantity

Honda Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2
Genuine Honda Motor Oil 0W–20
Genuine Honda Motor Oil 5W-20 (If requested 2008–10)
Hondabond HT (1 Tube repairs 5 vehicles)
Genuine Honda Throttle Plate Cleaner
Nylon Parts Cleaning Brush
5/16 ID Flexible Hose

OL999–9011
08798–9036
08798–9032
08718–0004
08700–9204
(commercially available)
(commercially available)

3 gallons
6 quarts
6 quarts
1 tube

TOOL INFORMATION – REPAIR PROCEDURE B
Tool Description

Tool Number

Piston Ring Groove Cleaner

07AAZ–TA5A100

Quantity
1

REPAIR PROCEDURE A – SOFTWARE UDPATE AND CYLINDERS 1–4 SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT
1. For 2008–11 models only, update the PCM software. Refer to Service Bulletin 01-023, Updating Control
Units/Modules.
2. Replace spark plugs on cylinders 1–4, then return the vehicle to the customer.
REPAIR PROCEDURE B – PISTON CLEANING AND RING REPLACEMENT
2008–11 Models: Confirm PCM software is or has been updated with the correct version, spark plugs 1–4 have been
replaced and the vehicle returned to the customer (Procedure A). Piston cleaning and piston ring replacement along with
the spark plugs should only be done after the customer has returned with a second failure or if the vehicles software is the
correct version (Procedure B). Failure to follow this process correctly may result in a full debit of the warranty
claim to your dealer.
2012 Models: Are equipped with updated software from the factory, no software update is needed. Piston cleaning and
piston ring replacement, along with the spark plugs should only be done after the diagnosis of spark plugs has concluded
that (Procedure B) is required.
The following service manual procedures have been used in full or in part within this service bulletin. For more detail on
these procedures, and torque specifications for some components, refer to the appropriate electronic service manual.
•

Battery Terminal Disconnection and Reconnection

•

Fuel Pressure Relieving

•

Fuel Line/Quick-Connect Fitting Removal

•

Air Cleaner Removal/Installation

•

Splash Shield Replacement

•

Drive Belt Removal/Installation

•

Engine Oil Replacement

•

Coolant Replacement

•

Hydraulic Power Steering Fluid Check/Replacement

•

Intake Manifold Removal and Installation

•

Timing Belt Removal and Installation

•

Warm Up-TWC Removal/Installation
Page 6 of 25

•

Cylinder Head Cover Removal

•

Cylinder Head Removal and Installation

•

Piston Ring Replacement

•

PCM Idle Learn Procedure

•

Valve Adjustment

Piston Removal Procedure
•

Use fender covers to avoid damaging painted surfaces.

•

To avoid damaging any wires and terminals, unplug the circuit connectors carefully while holding the connector
portion.

•

Mark all the circuits and hoses to avoid misconnection. Make sure they do not contact other circuit wiring, hoses, or
interfere with other parts.

1. Using both hood support struts, prop up the hood in a wide-open position.

2. Relieve the fuel pressure.
3. Remove both front wheels so you can fully lower the vehicle.
4. Remove the strut brace.

5. Do the battery removal procedure.

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6. Disconnect the fuel feed hose line at the bulkhead.

7. Remove the engine cover.

8. Remove the radiator cap.
9. Raise the vehicle.

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10. Remove the front splash shield.

11. Drain the engine oil.
12. Loosen the drain plug on the radiator, and drain the coolant.

13. Install a 5/16th inner diameter rubber hose on the drain bolt at the rear of the engine block, loosen the drain bolt,
and drain all remaining coolant. Then, disconnect the oil pressure switch connector.

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